CAMPAIGN 2013 LETTER: Student needs should drive Henry Lord decision

The closing of Henry Lord Middle School has impacted not only the South End, but our entire school district. It has resulted in the overcrowding of our other middle schools. It has strained resources and put a hardship on families.

The Herald News, Fall River, MA

Writer

Posted Oct. 26, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 26, 2013 at 7:25 PM

Posted Oct. 26, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 26, 2013 at 7:25 PM

» Social News

The closing of Henry Lord Middle School has impacted not only the South End, but our entire school district. It has resulted in the overcrowding of our other middle schools. It has strained resources and put a hardship on families.

As a parent and concerned citizen I care deeply about what happens to Henry Lord. As a candidate for School Committee I have an obligation to learn everything I can about the proposals being considered and to reach out to the community for their thoughts and their concerns.

We now have two legitimate proposals of what to do with Henry Lord. One would reopen Henry Lord as a preschool through eighth grade and one would reopen Henry Lord as a middle school and have most fifth grade students in the city (except Greene, Doran and Silvia) attend their neighborhood middle school.

A Grade 5-8 model provides some empty classrooms at the elementary level. This in turn will lower classroom sizes, especially if combined with the hiring of additional teachers.

However, is putting fifth grade students in middle school the best for the students? Will adding a fifth grade to Henry Lord Middle School do anything to address the reasons it was closed in the first place?

A kindergarten through grade eight model has worked well at Doran. The social and emotional needs of the students would be better served in this environment. On the other hand, it does not address the overcrowded conditions that currently exist as well as a 5-8 model would. This is a major concern of mine, and one that I share with many Fall River parents.

One thing is for certain: whatever decision is made for the future of Henry Lord, it affects our children. Parents, teachers and the community need to have a voice at the table when it’s time to make decisions.

Our elected officials and administration need to be flexible and need to listen to the concerns of the community.

As someone who will hopefully have the opportunity to weigh in and vote on the future of Henry Lord I want to see Henry Lord reopened the right way, with the focus clearly on our children, and with a plan that is best for the South End and for all of Fall River.